We are glad that President Obama decided to record an ‘It Gets Better’ video for Dan Savage’s project. There is no question that he is the best LGBT ally we have ever had in a President. He speaks frankly about bullying and tells bullied kids that the world is waiting for them if they can get through the tough times. We believe that Obama truly wants to see equality for LGBT citizens, but something about his message falls flat.
We know that Obama is not responsible for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the Defense of Marriage Act. We know that it is a complicated process to change legislation. However, both are instances of institutionalized, systemic bullying. DADT and DOMA deny us our civil rights and prevent us from having equal access to the right to pursue our version of happiness (which is supposedly what it means to be American.) We want to see the single most powerful person in the nation denounce anti-gay bullying among kids AND the anti-gay bullying that is perpetuated by the state.